DANNY Swanson inspired Dundee United to Scottish Cup glory two years ago – and now he’s dreaming of cheering Hibs on to the same magical feat as a punter.

DANNY Swanson inspired Dundee United to Scottish Cup glory two years ago – and now he’s dreaming of cheering Hibs on to the same magical feat as a punter.

He was part of the Tangerines side in 2010 as they triumphed 3-0 over dark horses Ross County to lift the famous old trophy for only the second time.

Two years on, the Edinburgh-born playmaker is preparing to swap his place on the pitch for a seat in the stand as his boyhood idols bid to end their long wait to win the cup again.

Swanson will never forget his day in the Hampden sun with United and hopes Hibs can follow in their footsteps by beating their bitter rivals Hearts.

He said: “It was a special day when I lifted the cup with Dundee United. The scenes were incredible at the end and something I’ll never forget. Now Hibs have the chance to do the same and I’m just hoping they can pull it off.”

Soon after the Edinburgh rivals won their respective semi-finals there were calls to switch the match to Murrayfield in the capital. Swanson, however, insists there is only one venue worthy of holding a Scottish Cup Final.

He said: “I know there was talk of maybe moving it to Murrayfield but, for me, that just wouldn’t have been the same.

“Hampden is the home of football and as I’ve experienced there is no better place to win a major cup final.

“Hampden p roduces a unique atmosphere and the playing surface is always top-notch for this occasion.

“The scene is set for one of the most memorable finals in years. Like any other Hibs fan, I’ve been dreaming that Saturday will be the day when they finally end their Scottish Cup jinx.”

Swanson is a pal of former United team-mate Danny Grainger who’ll be a key man for Paulo Sergio’s Hearts.

He admits he couldn’t bear the jibes from the full-back should Hearts win.

Swanson, a free agent now that his Arabs contract is up, said: “I’ve been speaking to Danny in the build-up and he obviously knows I’m a Hibs fan. So if Hearts win I’ll need to emigrate!

“I doubt if I could handle all his bragging because you would never hear the end of it. Hearts are a quality side but I still think Hibs can do it.”

Swanson will leave the capital bound for Glasgow with thousands of others but revealed he won’t be travelling on his father’s supporters buses which will set off from Gladstones Bar in Leith.

He said: “My Dad has three buses running from his pub in Edinburgh.

“But believe it or not I can’t even get a seat on one of them so I’m going through with my mate.

“It’s going to be an amazing day though. The whole of Edinburgh is buzzing at the prospect.

“It’s been difficult enough to get a ticket but I’m sure those who have been lucky enough to get their hands on one will enjoy themselves.”